Walter: $1.3 Million Grant for EPCAL Sewage Treatment Plant 'Wonderful Step'

Riverhead was a big winner in the recent round of New York State economic development grants aimed at boosting the East End economy.

Riverhead won $1.34 million for a sewage treatment plant at Enterprise Park at Calverton.

"It's a wonderful step in the right direction," Riverhead Town Supervisor Sean Walter said.

The total cost for the EPCAL sewage plant would be $22 million, Walter said.

Walter said next steps involve sending in an application to the Department of Environmental Conservation for a $6 million grant.

From there, the supervisor is looking to create a public-private equity project with a firm that would be willing to put up money as a match.

"We're talking about a multi-billion dollar buildout at EPCAL," Walter said. While the funds needed might seem a "huge amount" to Riverhead taxpayer, the supervisor said he felt confident that there are firms that would love to have a seat at the table as the future of EPCAL unfolds.

"They'll see that investment in their future profits," he said. "That's what I'm looking for now. Let's hope we keep it rolling." 

In addition, $1 million was also awarded to EBDK Research at Calverton LLC, a proposed addiction research and education center; the project is currently before the town's zoning board of appeals, Walter said.

Also big news: $85,875 was awarded for the creation of a pedestrian bridge from Riverhead to Riverside, a project Suffolk County Legislator Jay Schneiderman and local civic leaders have said will boost development and revitalization in blighted Riverside areas.

"These economic development grants represent a major commitment by the State of New York to take the lead in creating jobs and improving the economy," said New York State Assemblyman Fred Thiele. "I am pleased that Long Island was chosen for such substantial funding and that the businesses and communities in my district will benefit."

Southampton Town Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst added, "The funding awards will allow the Town of Southampton to advance an . .  exciting and potentially transformative project in the hamlet Riverside that aims to revitalize the area downtown — strengthening the local economy."